Advanced Studies

The intensive study program was developed at the suggestion of H.H. the XVII Karmapa Ogyen Trinley Dorje by Acharya Lama Kelzang Wangdi and Acharya Lama Sönam Rabgye.
It is divided into basic studies, in-depth studies, and advanced studies, each of which is further subdivided into individual modules.
Students begin with Gampopa’s Jewel Ornament of Liberation, move on to Shantideva’s Bodhisattvacharyavatara (The Way of Life in the Spirit of Enlightenment), and conclude with the classic text on Buddha nature, the Uttaratantrashastra. Other thematically relevant writings and selected secondary literature will round out the course of study.
In addition to daily teachings by the Acharyas, the course days also include group discussions, meditations, and physical exercises—in accordance with the Buddhist principle of listening, contemplating, and meditating. The study program consists of an average of two nine-day study phases per year. Each study phase concludes with a short exam and a celebration, and the completion of the basic, advanced, and advanced studies is confirmed with a certificate.

BASIC STUDIES: THE STEP-BY-STEP PATH In the basic studies, the fundamental views are studied using Gampopa’s Jewel Ornament of Liberation. Participants will receive the book and a summary version during the course.
Basic Module 1: What defines a Mahayana practitioner (chapters 1–6)
Basic Module 2: Entering and practicing on the Mahayana path (chapters 7–17)
Basic Module 3: Where the Mahayana path leads (chapters 18–21)

ADVANCED STUDIES: THE WAY OF THE BODHISATTVA The advanced studies deal in detail with Shantideva’s Bodhisattvacharyavatara, one of the most important works of Mahayana Buddhism.
Advanced Studies Module 1: The Benefits of Bodhicitta, Confession of Faults & Acquiring the Mind of Enlightenment (Chapters 1, 2 & 3)
Advanced Studies Module 2: Mindfulness & Vigilance (Chapters 4 & 5)
Advanced Studies Module 3: Wisdom (Chapter 9)
The teachings are based on the commentary on the Bodhicaryavatara: The Essence of the Profound, Vast, and Boundless Ocean of Mahayana Teachings by Phawo Tsugla Trengwa.

ADVANCED STUDIES: BUDDHA NATURE AND THE NATURE OF THE MIND In advanced studies, students explore Buddha nature, the distinction between phenomena and the nature of phenomena, and the nature of the mind based on Maitreya’s Uttaratantrashastra. The study is based primarily on the book Buddha Nature: The Mahayana Uttaratantra Shastra with Commentary, translated by Rosemarie Fuchs.
Advanced Module 1: What is enlightenment and Buddhahood? What is the ultimate Buddha? (Focus on Vajra Points 1-3)
Advanced Module 2: The Cause for Enlightenment: Our Buddha Nature (focus on Vajra Point 4)
Advanced Module 3: The Qualities and Activities of the Buddha (focus on Vajra Points 5, 6, 7)

SELF-STUDY IN ONLINE FORMAT Those interested who are unable to attend the intensive Buddhism course on site have the option of completing it as a self-study course in online format. The audio recordings of the face-to-face courses are made available in MP3 format via online access. Handouts and other materials are also available for download in PDF format. There is no certification for self-study at home, and support for self-study is only available to a limited extent.

Newcomers to the study series are very welcome. Ideally, the content of the previous parts should be studied independently via our online platform. Currently, only the basic and advanced courses are available as online courses. Registration via support@kamalashila.de.